Tyler doctors using new ways to find breast cancer

(KETK) - Tyler, Tx — It was 13 years ago when Dorothy Taylor got a call that would change her life forever.

"I cried for two days and then I stopped," Taylor said. "I said okay, Lord, if I have to go through this, then you have to go through this with me, I can't do this by myself."

Taylor was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 46.

"It was a scary journey because I knew no one," Taylor said. "I didn't think it would affect black women."

She is here today because she found it early. After two mammograms came back negative, Taylor had an ultrasound that ultimately found the cancer. Ultrasound along with breast MRI are two of the supplemental screening options at the Ross Breast Center.

"We're the only one I know of in the region that has an actively promoted supplemental screening program," said Dr. John Larrinaga of the Ross Breast Center. "And I think that's the difference between our centers and other centers is that we're very aggressive, we want to get the information out."

For women with family history or dense breasts, these new options can be life saving. Despite recent studies arguing the importance of annual mammograms, Dr. Larrinaga says they are key to early detection.

"If you want to give yourself the best possible protection I think you should get yearly mammograms and if you have dense breasts you should consider some kind of supplement like ultrasound or MRI," Dr. Larrinaga said.